Historic events this week from The Cure, Nirvana, Dire Straits, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
AUGUST 30, 1985: THE CURE’S THE HEAD ON THE DOOR
The Cure‘s The Head on the Door marked a significant shift towards a more accessible, pop-oriented sound while retaining their signature melancholic atmosphere, resulting in their most successful album to date in the UK, reaching #7. This pivotal album introduced new members Simon Gallup (returning) and Boris Williams, solidifying the classic quintet lineup responsible for hits like “In Between Days” and “Close to Me.”
AUGUST 30, 1992: NIRVANA HEADLINES READING FESTIVAL
Nirvana‘s headlining performance at the 1992 Reading Festival is widely considered one of their most iconic live shows. Kurt Cobain famously played on rumors about his health by being wheeled on stage in a wheelchair, wearing a hospital gown and a blonde wig, before feigning collapse and launching into a powerful set. The concert silenced critics and proved the band’s immense talent and popularity at the peak of their fame.
AUGUST 31, 1985: DIRE STRAITS’ BROTHERS IN ARMS IS #1
Dire Straits‘ penultimate studio album, Brothers in Arms, spent nine weeks at #1.
Brothers in Arms has sold 30 million copies worldwide thanks to strong singles like “So Far Away”, Walk of Life” and the Grammy-winning #1 hit “Money for Nothing.”
SEPTEMBER 3, 1968: RINGO RETURNS TO THE BEATLES
During tense “White Album” sessions, Ringo quit The Beatles after Paul McCartney was too critical of his drumming on “Back in the USSR.”
During his absence, the Beatles would record and complete “Back in the USSR” and “Dear Prudence.”
After receiving a telegram from the band pleading for him to return, Ringo arrived at the studio to find flowers on his drum kit.
SEPTEMBER 4, 1968: “STREET FIGHTING MAN” BANNED FROM CHICAGO RADIO
The Rolling Stones‘ “Street Fighting Man” was released shortly before the violent confrontation in Chicago between police and anti-war demonstrators.
Fearing “Street Fighting Man” would encourage further violence, Chicago radio stations banned the song from their playlists.
“I’m rather pleased to hear they have banned (the song), as long as it’s still available in the shops. The last time they banned one of our records in America, it sold a million.”
— Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones: Off the Record
